FOS (Fructooligosaccharides)
Research reviewed: 1995–2017
FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) (Fructooligosaccharides) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 756 participants, researched for Prebiotic & Gut Microbiome, Calcium Absorption, Immune Function and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Prebiotic & Gut Microbiome
ModerateCalcium Absorption
ModerateImmune Function
ModerateBlood Glucose & Cholesterol
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Prebiotic & Gut Microbiome
Assess FOS on Bifidobacterium levels in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess FOS on Bifidobacterium levels in healthy adults
Dose
8 g/day
Participants
30
Duration
4 weeks
Results
10-fold increase in faecal Bifidobacterium; significant bifidogenic effect; no increase in harmful bacteria
How They Measured It
Faecal Bifidobacterium counts (culture), microbiome composition
Evaluate FOS on gut microbiome diversity and SCFA production
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate FOS on gut microbiome diversity and SCFA production
Dose
10 g/day
Participants
80
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significant increase in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus; elevated butyrate and propionate; improved gut barrier function
How They Measured It
16S rRNA sequencing, faecal SCFA, intestinal permeability
Assess FOS prebiotic effect on bowel function and gut comfort
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess FOS prebiotic effect on bowel function and gut comfort
Dose
5 g/day
Participants
70
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Stool frequency improved; consistency normalised; bloating transiently elevated in first 2 weeks then resolved; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Stool frequency, consistency, GI symptom questionnaire
Calcium Absorption
Evaluate FOS on calcium absorption in adolescents
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate FOS on calcium absorption in adolescents
Dose
8 g/day
Participants
48
Duration
9 weeks
Results
Calcium absorption increased by 20% vs placebo; bone formation markers elevated; prebiotic-calcium synergy confirmed
How They Measured It
Calcium isotope absorption studies, bone mineral density
Immune Function
Assess FOS on immune function and infection resistance
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess FOS on immune function and infection resistance
Dose
6 g/day
Participants
60
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Secretory IgA significantly increased; NK cell activity improved; trend toward fewer respiratory infections
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, IgA, IgG, infection incidence
Blood Glucose & Cholesterol
Assess FOS effects on blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess FOS effects on blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
Dose
8 g/day
Participants
120
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Modest but significant reduction in fasting glucose (−0.4 mmol/L); postprandial AUC reduced; HbA1c trend toward improvement
How They Measured It
Fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c
Synthesise FOS and inulin effects on cholesterol from RCTs
Study Type
Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Synthesise FOS and inulin effects on cholesterol from RCTs
Dose
Various
Participants
198
Duration
Various
Results
FOS reduced total cholesterol modestly but significantly; LDL trend reduction; HDL unchanged; effects less pronounced than soluble fibres
How They Measured It
Pooled LDL, total cholesterol, HDL changes
Comprehensively review prebiotic FOS and inulin health effects
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Comprehensively review prebiotic FOS and inulin health effects
Dose
Various
Participants
150
Duration
Various
Results
Strong evidence for bifidogenic effect; moderate evidence for glucose and lipid benefits; calcium absorption well-supported; safe
How They Measured It
PRISMA review of human RCTs across multiple outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) (Fructooligosaccharides), involving 756 total participants. Research covers Prebiotic Effects, Gut Health, Calcium Absorption and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) has been researched for: Prebiotic Effects, Gut Health, Calcium Absorption, Immune Function. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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